5 Reasons Every Man Should Carry a Pocket Knife

Simple, sturdy, and versatile, a knife may be mankind’s oldest companion. And while it may feel archaic sitting next to a smartphone, it hasn’t outlived its usefulness. Here’s why we wouldn’t leave home without one.

You Still Need to Cut Things

Even in the age of perforation, there are plenty of scenarios that call for a sharpened blade. Some tasks occur on a daily basis, like opening packages, letters, or zip cords. Others come up less frequently, like cutting an animal out of a wire tangle. All arise when you least expect them—which is why a knife in your pocket can really come through in the clutch.

It Can Substitute for a Tool Box

If we had to limit ourselves to a single handheld tool, it would undoubtedly be a knife. The list of things you can do with a blade is pretty much endless: You can score wood, remove a nail, punch a hole in your belt, etc. It can also serve as an all-purpose screwdriver, especially for those tiny screws that are notoriously hard to tighten.

It Can Be Used to Start a Fire

Lighting a fire is one of those skills you rarely need to harness—until the day you do. If you've got to get a fire going with minimal equipment, a knife can make all the difference: You can use it to shave off bark for kindling, to cut away wet wood, or even to light a spark if you’re out of alternatives.

It Makes On-the-Go Eating Easier

Whether you’re out for a walk or a weekend road trip, a man on the move is often short on utensils. Luckily, a blade can pull triple duty as a knife, fork, and spoon. Apples, cheese, and charcuterie are all that much more fun to eat, and a utility tool (like an Izola Pocket Knife) opens your repertoire to beer bottles, wine, and canned goods.

It Can (Possibly) Save Someone's Life

As much as we value a good first aid kit, you won’t always have medical supplies on hand, or the time you need to retrieve them. The versatility of a knife makes it a perfect problem solver: It can be used to remedy minor pains, like a hangnail or splinter, or to tackle more dire scenarios, from making bandages or splints to cutting a driver out of his seatbelt. Just remember to sterilize the blade with a flame or rubbing alcohol before touching an open wound.